Self-Control for Kids: Self-Controller Scanner
This session includes self-control activities for kids, helping students use the Self-Controller Scanner to check in with their brain and body before big feelings take over. Through a short video, a discussion about what to do when recess gets canceled, and a quick game where they move to show whether a statement is true or false, students practice spotting these clues and choosing a strategy to help their body feel ready.
Extension activity
- Skill
- Self-Regulation
- Goal
- Using Your Self-Controller
- Grade level
- Elementary School
Get everything you need to teach the skill
These materials are part of a no-prep session designed by our clinical team, with all the structure, scaffolding, and support you need to teach included.
Engaging materials
Video modeling lessonSelf-Controller Scanner Introduction
Kai learns how to use his self-controller scanner to figure out his feelings and pick a strategy to stay in control. First, he scans his brain. Then, he scans his body. Once he knows how he's feeling, he can pick a tool to use to keep in control of his emotions.
- Extension activity
Taking a Break to Calm Down Question Prompts
Students are given examples scenarios and are asked to decide whether or not each person should ask for a break.
Plus everything you need to teach them
Warm-up
- Video: Hot Cocoa Breathing2:05
- Video: Daily Intention2:59
- Video: Body Squeeze2:12
Session Opener
Guiding Question: How can someone stop and notice their big feelings?
Practice
- Discussion Question
- Role-Play Activity
- Mini Game
How to use it with your students
- 1Watch Play the video modeling lesson so students see the skill in action.
- 2Practice Try the skill together with a discussion prompt, role-play, or mini game.
- 3Extend Use the extension activity to help students carry the skill further.
What's Covered
In this lesson, students learned how to use a Self-Controller Scanner to check in with their brain and their body when emotions start to feel big. They practiced noticing physical clues that a strong feeling is building, like a hot face or a lump in the throat, and then choosing a strategy that fit the moment. They also worked on letting a trusted adult know they needed a quick break.
Key Terms
- Self-Controller
- Noticing when big feelings start to build inside you and using a calming strategy early so you can stay in control. When a crowd or a busy moment makes you nervous, you pick the strategy that helps you feel best.
- Body Clues
- Body clues are signals you notice inside your body, like a fast heartbeat, a hot face, or tense muscles, that tell you a feeling is starting. Noticing them early can help you figure out what your body needs.
Sample IEP Goal This Session Supports
-
Using Your Self-Controller
Learner will use their Self-Controller to manage stress responses when triggers arise (e.g., unexpected changes, transitions away from preferred activities) by recognizing stress signals and applying a self-selected strategy before reacting in 4 out of 5 opportunities independently/given X prompt(s).
Send this tip home to support generalization
At home or in the classroom, when a student starts to feel frustrated, try asking what they notice in their body first, like a hot face or clenched fists, and then what they could try next.
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More Self-Regulation Activities
Frequently asked questions
Is this intervention free?
Yes, this ready-to-teach session on Self-Controller Scanner is free. You can access this intervention free for 14 days through the Everyday Speech Session Library. Every user gets three free sessions, but you can get more or extend your access by sharing the Session Library with friends and colleagues.
What ages is this for?
These materials are designed for elementary school students.
What's included?
You'll get access to your choice of warm-up videos, a session opener, a core material on Self-Controller Scanner Introduction, three practice prompts, and an extension activity, Taking a Break to Calm Down Question Prompts.
What skill does this intervention teach?
This ready-to-teach session is on self-regulation - more specifically, using your self-controller.
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